Often it seems that we are willing to go to great lengths to get something we want. How often do we observe others seeking solutions or remedies for things they think will make them happier, keep them younger longer or even help them become more successful. The world would have us chasing the latest fads in order to get the things we want, and with the many voices in society today, there are no shortages of suggestions to help with every desire we may have. Unfortunately, too often, the promises made by the world don’t always lend themselves to the solutions that are promised.  

Sometimes I feel like we are always chasing, but never quite getting the results we want. The best solution might be to slow down and ponder what it is we want, and then outline the best way to get the desired results we want.

Elder John A. Widtsoe who served as a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles from 1921 until his death in 1952 said the following: “Whoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all their affairs of life.” (reference)

If there was one thing we could do to receive help in all our affairs of life, would we be willing to do it? Would we be willing to commit ourselves to participating in something that promises us help in all aspects of life? Elder Widtsoe promised us this very thing.

Modern apostles have made similar statements. Elder Quentin L. Cook has said: “Never forget that family history – and the temple ordinances enabled by it – are an essential part of the work of salvation. Participating in this sacred work for the dead blesses the lives of the living.” (reference)

How blessed we are to be able to participate in this sacred work. I have found these promises to be real in my life. Seeking and discovering our ancestors gives us a much broader sense of who we are and what we are a part of, it gives us an appreciation of those who came before us. It gives us strength to face the trials and challenges in our day, knowing that those who came before us had their own trials and challenges too.  

I am grateful the Lord gives us the opportunity to seek those who came before us, but I am even more grateful for the blessings He promises those who will do this work.

I hope we will all put these promises to the test and see for ourselves that Heaven does have an interest in this work. It is a great work to be involved in, and there are real blessings that come into our lives as we engage in helping gather Israel.   

– President Doug Nielsen, Director, Granite FamilySearch